The fourth wave of X-Wing expansion packs features four of the most recognizable starfighters from the Star Wars expanded universe: the Z-95 Headhunter, TIE defender, E-wing, and TIE phantom! Each of these starfighters was designed to explore new strategies within its respective faction.

The Z-95 Headhunter is a highly effective Rebel missile platform. The TIE defender is a powerful fighter with a primary attack value of “3,” shields, and some of the most advanced systems in the galaxy. The E-wing pairs the X-wing’s firepower and durability with the A-wing’s speed and agility. The TIE phantom uses its stygium crystal cloaking device to fly unseen and pounce upon surprised opponents. Each of these starfighters is represented by a detailed miniature at 1/270 scale and comes with a maneuver dial and all the ship cards, rules, and tokens you need to race headlong into battle! Additionally, this wave of X-Wing starfighters introduces a number of powerful, new Upgrade cards – including elite pilot talents and modifications – that empower new tactics and reward players for recruiting pilots with high pilot skill values.

~ Z-95 Headhunter ~

Manufactured by Incom Corporation, the Z-95 Headhunter was the primary inspiration for the design of the X-wing. Though it was later outclassed by the X-wing in nearly every respect, the Z-95 Headhunter continued to see widespread use due to its low cost and reliability. The Z-95 Headhunter enters X-Wing as the Rebel starfighter with the lowest point cost value, and it will help Rebel players more easily match the number of ships that Imperial players can field. Moreover, the Z-95 Headhunter can carry a missile into battle, making it an extremely efficient counter to Imperial swarms. For example, a Rebel player could spend twenty-two points to recruit Lieutenant Blount and equip his fighter with Assault Missiles. Because his pilot ability always triggers the splash damage from his Assault Missiles, Lieutenant Blount will give Imperial players plenty of reason to think twice about flying their TIE swarms in close formation.

~ TIE Defender ~

When it was first released, the TIE defender was the galaxy’s deadliest starfighter. In addition to its four laser cannons and warhead launchers, the TIE defender came equipped with ion cannons in its upper wing. It was also outfitted with shields to increase its staying power. X-Wing players will find that the TIE defender makes ease of a great number of combat situations. It balances a strong attack value of “3” with an equally strong agility, and it also benefits from three shields that can protect it from early hits. The TIE defender is also one of the fastest starfighters in the game, and while it has a harder time making a number of sharp turns than other TIEs, it is the only starship in the game at this point with a white Koiogran turn printed on its maneuver dial.

~ E-wing ~

Specifically designed to combine the best features of the X-wing series with the A-wing series, the E-wing boasted superior firepower, speed, and maneuverability. Though it originally accommodated only the R7-series of astromech, the E-wing was later retrofitted to equip Droids from earlier R-series. While the standard E-wing is already arguably the Rebellion’s most well-rounded dogfighter, its potential for customization makes it even more attractive. The only Rebel starfighter that pairs an attack value of “3” with an agility value of “3,” the E-wing also boasts an astounding action bar and an upgrade bar that is likely to entice X-Wing players to experiment with a wide range of different upgrade combinations. For example, if an E-wing pilot were to equip his fighter with both the R7 Astromech and Fire-Control System, he could fire at an incoming enemy starship, spend his target lock during the attack, and acquire a new target lock with the Fire-Control System. Later in the phase as the defender, he could then spend that target lock to trigger his R7 Astromech and force his opponent to reroll any threatening attack dice.

~ TIE Phantom ~

The primary result of a hidden research facility on Imdaar Alpha, the TIE phantom added a cloaking device to an Imperial fighter that came equipped with five laser cannons, giving it an unprecedented combination of firepower and stealth. Naturally, the highlight of the TIE Phantom Expansion Pack is the “cloak” action that it brings to X-Wing. When a TIE phantom cloaks, its owner places a cloak token next to the ship. While cloaked, its agility value is increased by two. A TIE phantom that is cloaked cannot attack, but it may spend its cloak token to decloak during the Activation phase immediately before its owner reveals its maneuver dial. Its ability to cloak and decloak makes the TIE phantom one of the game’s most lethal fighters, and it’s even better when flown by an ace pilot with a high pilot skill value. Because the TIE phantom is most vulnerable while decloaked, you’ll want to keep it cloaked as often as possible, and you’ll want to consider recruiting a pilot with a high pilot skill value, like “Whisper,” who can take full advantage of the Advanced Cloaking Device modification. If you can eliminate all enemies with higher pilot skill values, “Whisper” need never be decloaked when your opponent can fire.

~ Race To Battle ~

Harness some of the greatest technological advancements from the Star Wars expanded universe and race into battle with the four new starfighters from the fourth wave of expansions for X-Wing! The Z-95 Headhunter Expansion Pack, TIE Defender Expansion Pack, E-Wing Expansion Pack, and TIE Phantom Expansion Pack are expected to blast into action in the second quarter of 2014!